Howdy y'all. On to the next chapter I suppose.
Dinner was going pretty much how I expected: The restaurant was beautiful, the food portions were small, and Tasha is having a very difficult time keeping her hands to herself, since they seem to keep finding their way to Dimitri.
Sitting in a similar placement as the last time, I was sitting across from Dimitri and Tasha was sitting next to him. She may think she is being subtle, but I notice how she just so happens to bump her elbow against him or graze his forearm while eating, or laughing extra hard at anything he says, even if it isn't funny.
It was really annoying the hell out of me as I tried to focus on breathing slower. On the bright side, Dimitri seemed to be focused on eating and not really contributing to conversation. He wasn't very chatting about Royal gossip or things like that anyway.
Not paying attention to the conversation, I did tune in when Tasha began talking about her first full day at the resort.
"Well, I actually started my day with a training session with Dimka. He is so talented, I wanted to see if there was any technique he knew that I can learn for myself or my students in the human world." She gushed.
Of course, she happens to forget that I was present as well. And from her tone, I can tell that she is trying to paint a certain image about how this session went.
"We had such an intense session, I can't wait for the next one Dimka." She batted her eyelashes at him.
"I don't think that would be a good idea Tasha." I grumbled out.
She squinted at me with a brief look of irritation for me interrupting her amazing story.
"Well why not?" she questioned, failing to not sound as pissed as she felt. At this point the entire table got quiet with the newly tense atmosphere.
"It is just too much of a distraction to have you there. It's nothing personal." I shrugged.
"Distraction?! Distraction to who? Just because you took me down today doesn't mean I can't quickly catch up. I just needed some—"
"Tasha, I believe Rose was simply saying that having a Royal Moroi in the gym is a bit… uncomfortable for most of the Guardians there. I agree with Rose, it's not your fault but maybe morning training wouldn't be the best idea for you while we are here." Dimitri stepped in, effectively ending the topic.
Blushing, I couldn't tell if it was in embarrassment or from Dimitri saying more than ten words to her at once, Tasha conceded "Of course, Dimka. I didn't think of that before. I'm somewhat used to training with Guardians, so I didn't know I made them uncomfortable."
I truly wish I could lift one eyebrow right now, but I just put my face down to stare at my plate. Every dhampir at the table knew that was a fucking lie. No guardian in their right mind would train with a Moroi. Maybe supervise, but no way would someone put their livelihood on the line like that. Yet, no one wanted to correct her. We decided to let her save face.
Dinner was a bit awkward for a little while after that. Tasha decided to have at least 2 and a half glasses of wine, probably trying to drown her embarrassment in it. Dimitri, Eddie, Mason, and I were just sitting there with our empty plates waiting for dessert to be served. It was pretty boring, until music started to play. I didn't notice that the band was even setting itself up to play.
At the start of the music, plenty of the Moroi started to go to the dance floor. The music was classic, so it called for a more formal form of dancing. Christian stood up surely and held his hand out to Lissa, which she took enthusiastically. I felt her excitement and happiness through the bond. Lissa loved dancing in general, and she grew up dancing with her father, who taught both of us how to dance when we were younger. Well, Lissa already knew, but they figured I should learn as well in case I ever needed to blend in while guarding Lissa in the future. She looked like a happy princess as she twirled across the dancefloor with Christian.
"Ooooh Dimka, I love this song. Come on, let's dance" Tasha said excitedly as she jumped out of her seat, holding her outstretched hand to Dimitri.
"Sure" He replied, although I'm sure he didn't really want to. He grabbed Tasha's hand as they moved to the dancefloor.
I didn't know Dimitri could dance at all, but he does have many talents. Just like in his fighting, he moved very gracefully, despite his huge size. He was nothing less than a beautiful sight, until you saw what he was attached to. I already didn't like him having to touch her, but he maintained proper form, keeping their bodies a respectable distance away from each other and his hand falling just beneath her shoulder blade, so he could still lead her properly.
However, Tasha was emboldened by them dancing together. She was constantly trying to push herself closer to Dimitri, or raise her hands to his neck, while talking to him. Maintaining his guardian mask, you couldn't tell what he was thinking, but after some time, it started to look like Tasha was trying to take the lead instead of him.
"Come on Rose, let's dance." Mason said as he grabbed my hand.
Now this was confusing. I knew Mason couldn't ballroom dance past the basic box step. Growing up at the academy, there was no need to teach Dhampir anything like that. But I was already standing up and didn't want to make a scene, so we swayed on the dance floor. Looking over Mason's shoulder at Eddie, I shot him a questioning look, he just shrugged his shoulders, just as confused as I was.
Dancing with Mason was fine. He tried to pull me closer and had his arm a bit lower than I would have liked but he probably didn't know what he was doing.
"This place is pretty nice" he said
"Yeah, it's cool. You know how Moroi like their things fancy."
"Yeah, for all their money and stuff you would think they would serve more food though. I'm starving over here!"
I couldn't help but laugh. Leave it to Mason to point out the obvious in his own way. Nodding my head in agreeance, we continued to laugh as the song slowly began to end.
"You really do look nice Rosie" he said in almost a whisper.
Looking at him, I noticed that he had a slight blush on his face, and he started to pull me closer when I heard—
"Little Dhampir, may I have this next dance." Adrian said, as he left his last dance partner. The next song was beginning, so I shifted to grab Adrian's hand.
"Yeah yeah sure, just don't step on my feet." I said rolling my eyes.
"Never."
Swiftly guiding me across the dance floor, I notice a few eyes looking at me dancing with Adrian. I don't know if it was because they never seen a Dhampir able to dance or if they were surprised that the queen's favorite nephew was dancing with a Dhampir.
"You certainly know how to steal a show" he smiled cockily at me.
"I guess, if it's up for grabs, why not"
"Most men seem to not be able to keep their eyes off you, especially that red headed Novice you were dancing with."
"Oh that's Mason, we've known each other since we were four, along with Eddie"
"Well, Mason certainly has a special appeal to you."
I almost wanted to slump my shoulders. I had a feeling Mason may like me a bit more than a friend with his recent behavior, but having Adrian confirm it for me was disappointing. I really don't see Mason that way, but I don't want to hurt him.
"Don't worry yourself Little Dhampir, it's just a light crush. He'll get over it like I did"
"Like you?"
"Aww, come on. You aren't blind Little Dhampir. I know you have a thing for the Russian. But don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Oh shit. Am I that obvious that Adrian noticed I like Dimitri?!
"I don't know what you are talking about. Maybe you've had too much to drink Adrian"
"You should know that I see more than the average person Rose. I notice your feelings for each other for a while now."
"Each other?"
"Oh yeah, cradle robber over there definitely feels the same way. You too have aura's that practically respond to each other when you are close. I never seen anything like it."
I didn't know what to say. I knew Adrian wasn't lying but it was so hard to process. After all this time, Dimitri felt the same way about me that I did for him. I practically felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. Does he love me too?
"And he certainly likes how you look tonight too." He joked with a sly tone.
"Really?" I was trying to not sound like some desperate fangirl, while trying to dig for more information about how Dimitri feels about me.
"Of course, I'm surprised a stone-faced guy like that even has blood flowing to his—"
"SHUT UP ADRIAN" I whispered sharply, really trying to hide the blush on my face.
Adrian continued to chuckle at my expense, until some old Moroi woman came and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Lord Ivashkov, may I have this dance?" she asked in her shrill voice. Even though she was shorter than me I still felt as though she were looking down at me, but then, to someone like her, I am beneath her. She refused to even gaze at me.
"Of course, Lady Ivanov. I would love to dance with you. I'm sure your skills are amazing considering how well your granddaughter Libby moves" he responded in the same snooty tone she had.
Shocked beyond comprehension, the old woman was trying to maintain her composure.
"Well, Libby has always been a graceful dancer, she is away at university right now, but I appreciate you acknowledging her talents." She responded skeptically, probably hoping Adrian wasn't talking about anything else.
"Yes, she is very talented and smart. Within a few days of us meeting she did show me how head-strong she was"
Lady Ivanov, suddenly, started coughing into her hand dramatically. After she did this for about a minute, she said "Excuse me Lord Ivashkov, but I must go and grab a glass to sooth my throat, I hope to speak with you soon." Then she walked away faster than any woman her age could.
"See, you make more woman than me sick" I teased cheekily.
"What's sickening is her attitude, sometimes you just need to put people in their place." Adrian replied with a wink.
"Looks like cradle robber is free, why don't you go entertain him before that purple clothed madness returns for another dance with him. I'm going to get a drink."
Looking at the table I saw Dimitri sitting back down, his eyes roving around the room. They stopped when he saw me though. I saw the corner of his mouth twitch, his way of smiling at me in public sometimes behind his mask. His eye practically pulled me to him from across the dance floor.
Finally, standing in front, I did a silly form of a bow, holding out my hand.
"Guardian Belikov may I have this dance" I asked in my most pompous accent ever, I was trying to imitate the Moroi that usually spoke that way.
Chuckling at my antics I saw Dimitri cover his mouth, trying to hide his beautiful smile from the rest of the room.
"Sit down Novice Hathaway" he said seriously but his eyes still shining. Sitting in Tasha's seat I looked at him expectantly.
"Well, you could have just told me no, Comrade. I can take rejection" I joked, although slightly disappointed he didn't want to dance with me.
Shaking his head and standing up, the Russian God said, "If I am going to dance with you, I would prefer it to be on my terms, so—Roza, will you come and dance with me?"
Looking up at him, his eyes showed so many emotions, but he also seemed- nervous? Did he think I would say no? I don't know how long I was starring at his outstretched hand. Snapping out of it, I put my hand in his and nodded, not trusting my voice at the moment.
Smiling at me, Dimitri guided me to the dance floor, it didn't take us long to get used to each other, especially since we are used to each other's bodies from training. Soon we were moving as if we were one. The song that was playing was much slower, so we didn't have to worry about how fast we were moving.
Raising my face to look at him, I thought all my breath may have left me. I was sure he must have felt something for me by the way he was gazing at me, with a slight smile, which I returned.
"You look beautiful, Roza" he said to me, causing the feeling of butterflies in my stomach.
"You don't clean up to bad yourself Comrade. And thanks, Adrian did say I was a showstopper tonight" I said jovially.
I felt Dimitri tense a bit, strengthening the grip he had on me and my hand a bit when I mentioned Adrian.
"Well, I suppose Ivashkov is correct. I happen to think you shine brighter than any woman I have seen tonight"
"Aww you don't have to butter me up Comrade." I said, trying not to get my hopes to high.
Pulling me closer and bringing his face closer to mine he affirmed "I mean it Roza."
Overwhelmed by the feeling of our bodies pressed together I gasped out "Thank you Comrade" as I nodded my head.
We continued to dance without talking, but we really didn't need to. Being so close to Dimitri, was intoxicating.
Never pulling apart from earlier, Dimitri's hand has moved to the small of my back, my arm wrapped up to his shoulder, desperately wanting to run my fingers through his hair, and our faces were so close, I could feel him exhaling on my scalp. God this must be a dream.
Rose and Dimitri were fully indulging in their close contact, that neither one noticed that the song was coming to an end. Dimitri loved holding Rose in his arms and Rose loved being held by Dimitri, neither wanted to let go of the moment.
Feeling someone tap on his shoulder, Dimitri looked over at Novice Ashford. "Dessert is about to be served Guardian Belikov" he informed, but Dimitri missed the harsh tone and brief look of irritation that Mason shot him.
Moving out of his embrace with Rose, the two stared into each other's eyes, both holding so much love and desire, it surprised both of them. Seeing Dimitri openly gazing at her like that send a shot of pleasure to her nether regions as she fought the desire to step closer to him. Dimitri was more focus on Rose's soft lips that he longed to press against his, only to remind himself he shouldn't be thinking of a friend that way. Not knowing what to do, Dimitri turned and headed for the table, Rose quickly followed with a hint of a blush on her face.
"Woah woah woah, Little Dhampir that's quite the bit of personal stress you got there. Let me know if you need my help finding some relief" Adrian joked quietly after seeing how lustful, yet tense both Dimitri and Rose's auras were when they returned to the table.
"I don't think anyone is up for that task Adrian, at least not anyone I'm interested in" Rose said back, irritated that he brought something like that up when she was less then 3 feet away from both Dimitri and Mason.
Dessert came quickly and soon they were all back in their suite. Lissa and Adrian were practicing some spirit while Rose decided to watch some tv to distract herself. Mason and Eddie also stayed in the seating area, but they weren't paying attention to what Rose was watching, but neither was she.
Lissa and Adrian didn't practice for very long. Feeling a small amount of darkness accumulate in herself, Rose was starting to get fatigued and cold. She got up to head to bed.
Adrian walked into the living room still occupied by Mason and Eddie just to rest before heading upstairs to his suite. Sitting there he listened to the two novices conversing.
"I don't know how to get her to even pay much attention to me, I thought I got somewhere tonight but now I'm not so sure." Mason said
"Who are you talking about, Rose?" Adrian butted in. Mason nodded shyly.
"It really sucks being stuck in the friendzone man. I feel for you" Eddie said patting Mason on the shoulder. "Hey! Maybe you should try what those guys do in those chick flicks and just grab her and kiss her! That will certainly get her to see you as more than a friend!" he offered
"More than a friend. She will see him as a human punching bag if he tried something like that" Adrian scoffed before chuckling at the image of it all.
Mason sighed with his shoulders slumped over, he was at a complete loss. "Maybe I should just talk to her, tell her how I feel about her."
"Sounds pretty lame, but ok." Eddie shrugged
Mason settled on that being the best approach, maybe if he told her how much he cared she would be willing to give him a chance.
Meanwhile, Rose was laying in bed, snuggling with her pillow remembering her special dance with her favorite guardian.
Whew that was a hard chapter to complete for some reason.
Please remember to review you guys, it keeps me motivated to write even more. Thanks for all the support this far too.
Later loves!